Abstract

Background: Admission into isolation centres due to COVID−19 may be traumatic. This may lead to Post−traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with far−reaching effects on functioning.
Aim: This study determined the prevalence and correlates of PTSD among survivors of COVID−19 in a Nigerian Infectious Disease Centre.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among survivors of COVID−19 discharged from an Infectious Disease Centre. A socio−demographic questionnaire was used to assess socio−demographic and clinical variables, while the Post−Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist−5 (PCL−5) was used to assess PTSD. A case definition of PTSD was based on a score of ≥ 33. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and the Chi−square test.
Results: The study showed that 6% of COVID−19 survivors had PTSD. Rhinorrhea was significantly associated with PTSD (p = 0.04).
Conclusion: The prevalence of PTSD among survivors of COVID−19 was 6%, with greater risk among those with rhinorrhea.

Key words: COVID−19, PTSD, Isolation centre, prevalence, correlates, Nigeria